An autonomous moving body includes: a determination unit configured to determine that the autonomous moving body has arrived at a waiting area on a current floor before the autonomous moving body gets on a car of the elevator; an orientation adjustment unit configured to adjust, when the determination unit determines that the autonomous moving body has arrived at the waiting area, an orientation of the autonomous moving body based on an exiting direction from the car on a destination floor; and a movement controller configured to cause, when the car arrives, the autonomous moving body to enter the car while maintaining the orientation adjusted by the orientation adjustment unit.
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2. The autonomous moving body according to claim 1, wherein the orientation adjustment unit causes the autonomous moving body to turn and adjusts the orientation of the autonomous moving body in such a way that the exiting direction corresponds to a front side of the autonomous moving body.
This invention relates to autonomous moving bodies, such as robots or drones, designed to navigate and adjust their orientation to improve movement efficiency. The problem addressed is ensuring that an autonomous moving body can exit a confined space, such as a narrow passage or obstacle, in a controlled and efficient manner. When the moving body detects an exit, it may not be aligned with its current orientation, leading to inefficient or unsafe movement. The invention includes an orientation adjustment unit that automatically rotates the moving body so that its front side faces the exit direction. This ensures that the moving body exits the space in a forward-facing orientation, optimizing movement and reducing the risk of collisions or misalignment. The adjustment unit may use sensors, such as cameras or lidar, to detect the exit and calculate the required rotation angle. The moving body then executes the turn before proceeding forward. This feature is particularly useful in environments with tight spaces or dynamic obstacles where precise orientation control is critical. The system may also integrate with path planning algorithms to ensure smooth transitions after exiting the confined area.
3. The autonomous moving body according to claim 1, wherein the orientation adjustment unit causes the autonomous moving body to turn and adjusts the orientation of the autonomous moving body based on an arrangement of an environmental sensor provided in the autonomous moving body.
4. The autonomous moving body according to claim 1, wherein the orientation adjustment unit causes the autonomous moving body to turn and adjusts the orientation of the autonomous moving body based on an arrangement of a display panel provided in the autonomous moving body.
This invention relates to an autonomous moving body equipped with a display panel, addressing the challenge of dynamically adjusting the body's orientation to optimize visibility or interaction with the display. The autonomous moving body includes an orientation adjustment unit that controls turning movements to align the display panel in a desired direction. The adjustment is based on the physical arrangement of the display panel within the body, ensuring the display faces the intended audience or environment. The system may also incorporate sensors or external inputs to determine the optimal orientation, such as tracking user positions or environmental conditions. The invention enhances user engagement by dynamically positioning the display for better visibility, particularly in applications like advertising, information dissemination, or interactive displays. The orientation adjustment unit may use feedback from the display panel's position or external data to refine alignment, ensuring consistent performance in varying scenarios. This solution improves the functionality of autonomous moving bodies by integrating adaptive display orientation control.
5. The autonomous moving body according to claim 1, wherein the orientation adjustment unit causes the autonomous moving body to turn and adjusts the orientation of the autonomous moving body based on a shape of a housing of the autonomous moving body.
6. The autonomous moving body according to claim 1, wherein the movement controller sets, after the autonomous moving body enters the car, a position at which a rear part of the autonomous moving body is opposed to a wall surface of the car as a destination and causes the autonomous moving body to move.
7. The autonomous moving body according to claim 1, wherein, when the car is an asymmetric space when the car is seen from a door, the movement controller sets, after the autonomous moving body enters the car, a side of the car on which there is a wide space when the car is seen from the door as a destination and causes the autonomous moving body to move.
This invention relates to autonomous moving bodies, such as robots or vehicles, designed to navigate within confined spaces like cars. The problem addressed is the challenge of efficiently moving within asymmetric car interiors, where space distribution varies when viewed from the door. The solution involves an autonomous moving body equipped with a movement controller that assesses the car's interior layout upon entry. When the car's space is asymmetric, the controller identifies the side with the wider area from the door's perspective and sets that side as the destination. The autonomous moving body then moves toward this wider space, optimizing navigation in constrained environments. The system may include sensors or mapping capabilities to determine spatial distribution and ensure precise movement. This approach improves efficiency and safety by avoiding collisions or unnecessary detours in unevenly spaced interiors. The invention is particularly useful for delivery robots, cleaning devices, or other autonomous systems operating in vehicle cabins.
8. The autonomous moving body according to claim 1, wherein the movement controller sets, after the autonomous moving body enters the car, a position at which a camera provided in the autonomous moving body to acquire environmental information is able to capture images of a range wider than a predetermined reference range as a destination and causes the autonomous moving body to move.
9. The autonomous moving body according to claim 1, wherein the orientation adjustment unit does not adjust the orientation of the autonomous moving body when an obstacle is detected inside a predetermined range from an outer frame of the autonomous moving body.
Autonomous moving bodies, such as drones or robots, often require precise orientation adjustments to navigate environments. However, sudden orientation changes when obstacles are nearby can lead to collisions or instability. This invention addresses the problem by incorporating an orientation adjustment unit that selectively disables orientation adjustments when an obstacle is detected within a predetermined range from the outer frame of the autonomous moving body. The orientation adjustment unit typically modifies the moving body's heading or attitude to maintain stability or follow a path. The invention ensures that orientation adjustments are only made when safe, preventing erratic movements that could cause collisions with nearby obstacles. The predetermined range is set based on the moving body's size, speed, and environmental conditions to balance safety and maneuverability. This selective adjustment improves navigation reliability in cluttered or dynamic environments.
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April 9, 2020
October 11, 2022
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